Koloman Moser retrospective at MAK Vienna marks centenary of his death

The MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) in Vienna is staging a major retrospective of Koloman Moser, who died in 1918 at age 50. The exhibition, titled 'Koloman Moser, artista universale tra Gustav Klimt e Josef Hoffmann,' runs from December 19, 2018 to April 22, 2019. It features over 500 works, most from the MAK's own collection, many displayed for the first time. Curated by Christian Witt-Dörring and Elisabeth Schmuttermeier, the show follows a chronological trajectory to trace Moser's evolution from painter to graphic artist, applied arts designer, interior designer, fashion designer, and set designer. A key section highlights his collaboration with Josef Hoffmann, presenting furniture, household objects, and jewelry. The five sections are: 'Vienna palcoscenico delle arti' (Vienna as stage for the arts), 'L'unità di forma e funzione' (influence of Otto Wagner), 'I primi anni di Koloman Moser' (early career), 'L'unità delle arti' (his role as co-founder of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903), and 'Addio all'unità delle arti' (his return to painting). The exhibition also celebrates the MAK itself, as most pieces belong to its historical collection.